Hillary Clinton's designer named LRFW fashion icon | Arts & Culture

Title (Max 100 Characters)

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Little Rock Fashion Week is proud to announce that it has named Martha Dixon as its 2011 LRFW Fashion Icon of the Year. Martha Dixon was selected for the Fashion Icon of the Year Award because of her remarkable talents as a premier fashion designer, and her selfless contributions to the local community and national fashion industry. Dixon, a 65 year old Clark County resident, gained international recognition for designing elegant gowns for former first lady Hillary Clinton in the late 80s and 90s. Dixon designed the dazzling red satin and beaded gown that Clinton wore at the 1993 Presidential Inaugural Gala.

"Mrs. Dixon is a fashion legend within the community, and her story is one of triumph. She's in a unique category in Arkansas history that should be recognized and celebrated for many, many years. I look forward to sharing her story with my future kids." Brandon D. Campbell replies when asked why LRFW selected Dixon to be the Fashion Icon.

Reacting to the announcement, Dixon states, "It means a lot to me. Just to be chosen is an honor."

Dixon was inspired to make and design clothes at an early age. Dixon explains, "I am the 17th of 20 siblings, so having something new to wear inspired me because we had very little. I remember taking flour sacks and sewing my clothes. I remember my first pink dress."

Campbell comments, "Not too many fashion designers can say that they've dressed a "First Lady" of the United States. The number shrinks even more if you ask designers if they have ever been inside the White House. Mrs. Dixon has done both. She is a dedicated and successful businesswoman and has an outstanding record of service to her community. She's an icon."

Martha Dixon is a lifelong resident of Clark County, Arkansas. She graduated from Peake High School in Arkadelphia, attended Henderson State University, and received a degree in Fashion and Design from Commercial Technical Institute in Little Falls, New Jersey.

Dixon gained international recognition for designing stunning dresses for former first lady Clinton in the late 1980s and 1990s. Dixon designed gowns for Clinton including the 1986-1987 Arkansas Gubernatorial Inaugural Ball and the 1992-1993 Presidential Gala. Dixon successfully founded Martha's Fashion and Design, Dixon Manufacturing, and Dixon Kids. She is widely known for designing and manufacturing school uniforms for school districts across the USA.

Dixon is also the recipient of many honors and awards including being on the "Top 100 Women of Arkansas" list for four years. Also, in 2005 Dixon was inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame. Her great efforts and passion for design and fashion has caused her to excel beyond her wildest dreams.

Scheduled for this July, Dixon will release her autobiography Triumph Beyond Measure. In Triumph Beyond Measure, President Bill Clinton states of Dixon, "Martha Dixon is a wonderful and wise woman...any person any age can read it.... After reading it you'll find it hard to feel sorry for yourself....you'll be grateful that Martha shares her story with you..."

"Growing up I never dreamed it would happen. All the honors that I've received have made me stronger and help me see the world a little different. So many others deserve being honored, but for me, I'm grateful. I never dreamed this would happen." Dixon is excited that her husband, Huie L. Dixon will be joining her for the presentation during LRFW. She explains, " In my upcoming book, I write about how we were invited to the White House and my husband didn't even want to go, so for him to want to attend Little Rock Fashion Week, is an honor in itself," said Dixon.

The 2011 Fashion Icon Award will be presented to Martha Dixon on July 16, 2011 during LRFW's Posh Expression Fashion Experience. A representative from Dillard's Park Plaza store will present Martha Dixon with the award.

Each year, Little Rock Fashion Week (LRFW) selects an Arkansan who has made a significant impact on the fashion industry. LRFW's 2010 Fashion Icon Award was presented to Dillard's, a national leader in apparel and home furnishings for the last 73 years, Dillard's was selected due to its contributions to global fashion markets and its commitment to philanthropy and the citizens of Arkansas. LRFW's 2009 Award was presented to Kevin Sanders, a native of Salem, AR. Sanders has styled for the Oscar's, Tony's, Grammy's, Golden Globe's, SAG, and People's Choice Awards. Sanders is also the owner of Kevin Howard brand jeans.

Little Rock Fashion Week takes place in downtown Little Rock July 11-16. Tickets are available now at LittleRockFashionWeek.com, Uncle T's, The Fashion Vault, Gallery 26 and RK Collections. Adult Weekly Pass is $50. Tickets for the Posh Expression fashion show on July 16 are: VIP ticket - $45; General Admission (GA) - $35. Tickets for the July 15 Young & Fabulous show are GA - $15.

Dixon and Campbell are available for media appearances and interviews. Please contact pr@littlerockfashionweek.com or phone 501-786-7909; 501-786-7909. Dixon's head shot photo and photo of Hillary Clinton, wearing Dixon's famous red laced dress are owned exclusively by Dixon. More photos can be seen in her book Triumph Beyond Measure.